Wallace appointed to Council on Aging

HARVARD — Former longtime Selectman Lucy Wallace, whose volunteer services to the town span more than two decades, is now a member of the Council on Aging.

Wallace was appointed by selectmen at their meeting Monday night.

Like everybody else, she submitted a letter of interest and in keeping with the board’s new policy, she showed up at the meeting to answer questions.

After sketching her resume and explaining why she wants to serve on the COA, Wallace was asked to list priority items she’d pursue as a council member.

First, she had been looking to upgrade the facility, Wallace said.

COA offices and the senior drop-in center are now housed at Hildreth House. The town-owned building, an antique Victorian on the hill behind Town Hall, has undergone repairs but still has multiple issues to address. And some say it’s unsuitable, given its hilltop site and rooms more suited for a 19th-century home than a 21st-century senior center.

Second, she would reach out to younger seniors like herself. It’s key for “elder elder statesmen” to be active in town affairs, she said. But it also benefits the 60 or more residents to get involved.

Chairman Peter Warren put in a plug for a new van. He drives the vehicle for the COA and indicated that it is less than satisfactory.

Wallace agreed but said an upgrade would be up to MART, which owns the vehicle.

“It would be great if we had our own,” she said. That is, “if we had the resources.”

The board voted unanimously to appoint Wallace to the council.